Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za

18 March 2026

3-minute read

As the blessed month of Ramadhaan draws to a close, hearts begin to turn toward the joy of Eid celebrations. For many families, Eid is a time filled with excitement — new clothes, delicious food, and visiting loved ones; a day of gratitude to Allah, a reward for the effort of Ramadhaan, and a time to strengthen family bonds. But beyond the festivities, Eid carries a much deeper meaning within our faith. It marks the completion of a month of sacrifice, patience, discipline and spiritual growth.

For our children especially, Eid often becomes associated mainly with gifts, treats and celebrations. While these are beautiful parts of the day, it is equally important that we help our children understand the true significance behind Eid.

Madrassa teachers play a very special role in shaping how children understand important days in Islam, helping them connect the joy of celebration with the spiritual lessons behind it. Apa Sakina Osman, a teacher at Saliheen and LMA, works closely with children and understands the important role madrassa education plays in nurturing faith and character.  She advocates for nurturing young hearts with love for their deen by teaching children that the value of Eid begins long before the morning of Eid itself.

Apa Sakina says that for the children she teaches, Eid is much more than just a celebration. It is is a day of joy and reward, a day of gratitude to Allah, not just an end to fasting. While most young children get more excited for new clothes and gifts than realising the spiritual significance behind Eid, this does help to encourage happiness on the day.

As parents, we should create that extra sense of joy in our homes for the day of Eid. Preparation for Eid should begin in Ramadhaan as the day is a gift for having completed the fasting of 30 days. Parents should be made part of the spiritual journey and help their children reflect on the good deeds they performed in this month.

It is essential to instil gratitude by reminding our children that not everyone in the world is as fortunate as we are, not everyone has a plate of food or a new set of clothes for Eid. Teach them about the challenges others are facing. Involve children in giving through sadaqah and sharing food with others because Eid is not only about receiving, but also about giving. Speak about Eid so that children can see that we are giving preference to Islamic celebrations over non-Islamic festivities.

Mothers are the first madrassah, so create an environment of shukr in the home and stop complaining so much. Learn to make your kids a little uncomfortable by not giving in to every demand they have. Live by example and build gratitude within your own self so that naturally, it will be passed on to your children to emulate. Kids react the way they see their parents conducting themselves, so if you show gratitude for even the smallest gifts, they will learn to do the same.

Madrassa plays an important role in reinforcing values taught at home, says Apa Sakina Connecting lessons from Ramadhaan like controlling one’s anger, sharing with others, and remembering Allah SWT with Eid, and take these lessons throughout the rest of the year.

At home, pray together on Eid morning, play Quran and the takbeer in the home, speak about the sunnah and etiquettes of wearing new clothing, visit relatives and share with others to spread the joy of Eid to our kids.

Apa Sakina’s closing advice to parents is that children learn from what they see. When they see their parents valuing Ramadhaan and Eid, they too will begin to value it. “Simple acts of kindness can leave a lasting impression on our children.” Apa Sakina concluded with the importance of remembering Allah SWT, being Allah conscious on the day of Eid, and maintaining the shariah so that our children can understand the significance of this special day.

Listen to the full discussion with Faaiza Munshi and Apa Sakina here.